Meet Shelly Hamsa | Artist & Art Gallery Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly Hamsa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelly, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle

When business is slow or I’m feeling like money is tight, I always think of this quote and ask myself, “what is it I have not felt grateful for?” Taking a moment to acknowledge what I’m grateful for always shifts everything.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Art Lounge is a contemporary fine art gallery. We opened on May 13th, 2022 in an out-of-the-way, unexpected location in an old marina barn on South Padre Island, Tx. We chose the location because the space is large and affordable. The management is easy to work with and the views of the ocean right outside the door are breathtaking. A high-end luxury art gallery hidden in an old barn might not seem like a good fit, but we think it’s magical. It’s like finding an old speakeasy down a hidden street during the opulent roaring 20’s. It may not look like much from the outside, but when you walk through the doors, the high ceiling, black walls, gorgeous high-end art and art deco chandeliers definitely create an element of surprise of the best kind!

The gallery has studio space for makers and artists and hosts events like yoga classes, music concerts, art exhibitions, etc.

One of the things we’ve learned since opening The Art Lounge is just how precious space is. It’s amazing what people can do if they just have the space to do it. When you visit The Lounge you might find an artist or maker in the middle of creating their latest masterpiece. Or, maybe you’ll find musicians practicing or, performing and intimate “living room” concert. In the morning you might catch yoga instructors teaching a class. And frequently you will find the artists, makers, and writers hosting workshops.

More than an art gallery, we are a gathering place for creatives and collectors to connect, grow and thrive. This is what excites me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I lived in Colorado for a couple years while growning up and still have family there. Colorado is a mecca for the arts! There are hundreds, if not thousands, of gallaries and art fairs that dot the state. I would say my favorite places to visit would be the art fairs that happen in the mountain towns, like Breckenridge’s Internation Festival of the Arts and the Vail Arts Festival. I’m also a person that loves sacred places. I would take friends to Stations of the Cross in San Louis and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, I need to thank everyone I’ve ever met. I’ve received so much help along the way. I’ll say a special thank you to Cristina Piecuch. She’s the manager of The Art Lounge, a fellow artist and friend. I don’t know if there’s anything she can’t do. She’s put so much of her blood, sweat and tears into setting up, launching, and running the gallery. She’s smart, so much fun and incredibly supportive. I admire her more and more every day. I am so grateful to know her and be able to work with her!

A big shout out to Aranzy Castillo and Vilma Torres as well. Since the moment they joined the gallery they have brought such positive and fun energy into everything they do. They are so motivated and smart. They truly inspire me.

Website: https://www.theartloungespi.com/

Instagram: https://www.theartloungespi.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/theartloungespi/

Image Credits
Life Signs Photography